HIMELE Receives HTA Funding Award for 2022

January 12, 2022 • Addison Ching • News

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has announced that HIMELE is one of the recipients of their calendar year 2022 Kūkulu Ola Program funding awards. Unlike previous years, the 2022 award will be funded by the HTA but administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.

In a media release made on January 11, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) announced $1,475,000 in funding to support 30 community-based programs in Hawai‘i through HTA's Kūkulu Ola program for 2022. The release further stated that awardees included qualified community groups, practitioners and craftspeople committed to strengthening a broader understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian culture through place-based activities and engagement on each island.

"The Kūkulu Ola program allows the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority to support the important work of these organizations in perpetuating the Hawaiian culture and our identity as a people, through various projects, programs and events," said Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, HTA Chief Brand Officer. "Investing in our communities remains a significant part of our efforts and strategic plan for fostering a better Hawai‘i for generations to come."

Information about the award also appeared on the Hawai‘i Community Foundation website.

According to the announcement there, the purpose of the Kūkulu Ola Program is "to seek community-based projects and programs that honor and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and community. The Kūkulu Ola funds support programs that help honor and preserve the Hawaiian culture; demonstrate collaborative efforts with a high degree of community support and involvement; strive to nurture the culture by creating unique experiences and activities that are respectful and accurate; and support cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians, and other artists within the sector."

HIMELE has received HTA funding in prior years, either directly or indirectly through its festival partners. Festival funding from the HTA through 2019 was made through the HTA's Community Enrichment Program. Calendar year 2020 HTA funding was provided by their Kūkulu Ola program. HIMELE did not receive funding in 2021 due to a reduction of available award funds caused by the pandemic.

The current funding will go towards expenses for in-person festivals primarily on Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island. HTA funding will also go towards expenses for the monthly steel guitar showcases. This funding complements funding HIMELE receives from the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and The Arts and from other foundations and private donors.